The Best Private Schools in Persia, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Persia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Creighton Preparatory School
Jesuit Schools Network
Creighton Preparatory School is a premier Jesuit college preparatory school serving students from across the metro area, including western Iowa communities like Persia. With a rich 140-year history, the school provides rigorous academic programs with 24 Advanced Placement courses and extensive STEM offerings. The campus spans 35 acres with state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Students develop through the school's comprehensive formation program emphasizing intellectual, spiritual, and leadership growth. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and strong alumni network.
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St. Albert Catholic Schools
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
St. Albert Catholic Schools is a highly-regarded private institution serving western Iowa, including the Persia area. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through high school with a strong college preparatory focus. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a values-based education rooted in Catholic tradition. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, fine arts, and numerous clubs. The school consistently achieves high academic performance with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Marian High School
Archdiocese of Omaha Catholic Schools
Marian High School is a highly-rated Catholic college preparatory school serving students from the greater Omaha metro area, including western Iowa. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses and specialized programs in STEM, business, and fine arts. Students benefit from personalized academic counseling, extensive college preparation resources, and a supportive faith-based community. The campus features modern academic buildings, science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. Marian emphasizes leadership development and community service while maintaining strong academic outcomes with graduates attending selective colleges nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Persia, Iowa
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Persia, Iowa, given that the top-named schools are not actually in Persia?
While Persia, Iowa, is a very small town, families seeking private education typically look to schools in the broader Southwest Iowa region or the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area. The schools often considered, like St. Albert Catholic Schools (in Council Bluffs), Creighton Preparatory School (in Omaha, NE), and Marian High School (in Omaha, NE), involve a commute. There are no private school campuses physically located within Persia's city limits. Your choice will largely depend on your willingness to commute 30-60 minutes and whether you prefer a co-ed or single-gender environment. It's also advisable to explore smaller parochial schools in nearby towns like Harlan or Avoca.
How does Iowa's School Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program help with private school tuition for Persia residents?
Iowa's STO program is a crucial financial consideration. It allows donors to receive a state tax credit for contributions to nonprofit STOs, which then provide need-based tuition grants to eligible students. As a Persia resident, you can apply for these grants through the STO associated with your chosen school (e.g., the AIM STO for St. Albert). Eligibility is based on family income and size, and grants can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost of attending a participating Iowa private school like St. Albert. Note that schools located in Nebraska, like Creighton Prep and Marian, are not eligible for Iowa STO funds.
For a student in Persia interested in agriculture or STEM, do any local private schools offer specialized programs?
Given Persia's rural setting in agricultural Iowa, this is a common consideration. St. Albert Catholic Schools in Council Bluffs offers a strong college-prep curriculum with robust science and math programs, and may have relevant extracurriculars. However, for deeply specialized agricultural programs, most private schools in the metro area are more broadly academic. Families might find that the public school in the Tri-Center or AHSTW school districts, which Persia is part of, may offer more direct FFA and agriscience courses. The unique advantage of a private school like St. Albert is the potential for personalized academic mentorship and access to metro-area science fairs and competitions, which can complement agricultural interests.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a Persia family applying to a private school like St. Albert?
The process for a Persia family mirrors that of any out-of-district applicant. For St. Albert (PreK-12), the enrollment timeline typically begins with open houses in the fall (October-November) for the following academic year. Priority application deadlines are often in early winter (January-February). The process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. It's critical to apply early, as some grades have waiting lists. Given the commute, you should also inquire about transportation options; some families form carpools from the Persia area. Contacting the admissions office a full year in advance is highly recommended.
What are the key factors in deciding between the Persia area public schools (Tri-Center/AHSTW) and commuting to a private school?
This decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The local public schools offer proximity, no tuition, and strong community-integrated programs. Commuting to a private school (20-45+ minutes each way) adds daily logistics and cost. The trade-off often comes down to educational philosophy and specific needs. Private options like St. Albert offer a faith-based education (if desired), typically smaller class sizes, and a consistent college-prep environment from elementary through high school. For some Persia families, the choice is driven by seeking a specific religious foundation or a perceived need for a different social or academic environment that the metro-area private schools provide, despite the commute. Visiting both your local public school and the private options is essential.